Carl James "Jim" Finn

Aug. 3, 1939-Feb. 16, 2026
San Rafael, CA—Carl James Finn (known as Jim), a devoted husband and father, cherished
grandfather, and respected member of the San Rafael and Sausalito communities, passed away
peacefully at the age of 86. He was battling dementia and was surrounded by the love of his
family as he transitioned into eternal life..
Born on Aug. 3, 1939, in Sacramento, CA to Dorothy (Reece) Finn and Carl James Finn, Jim
grew up in Sausalito with his sister Patricia, amidst a great group of lifelong friends. He joined
the Sausalito Yacht Club as a young teen, and remained an active member for the rest of his
life. Jim graduated from Marin Catholic in 1958. After graduation he served in the U.S. Marine
Corps and after obtained an AA from San Francisco City College. He was also a police officer
with Sausalito, prior to joining his family business.
In 1962, he married the love of his life, high school sweetheart Susan Neiderholzer, with whom
he shared 64 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they built a home filled with love and
laughter, many outdoor adventures and travels. He joined, and then ran the family business
“Niederholzer’s Jewelry” for three decades.
Jim was an avid “jogger” racing the Dipsea and Bay to Breakers multiple times. As he got older,
he started a daily walk with friends at Loch Lomond Harbor. His famed radio voice, ready smile
and sense of fun and adventure was beloved by his friends and family. He cherished being an
Uncle to his nephews and nieces. Jim was always a “favorite Dad” with his daughter’s friends.
Dogs were also beloved by Jim. After retiring he was an active volunteer with Guide Dogs for
the Blind. Not only was he excellent with dogs, accompanying them into surgeries and joining
them in water therapy, his voice was very appreciated by the sight impaired. He was also active
at China Camp, removing scotch broom and regaling anyone on the history of this special place.
His greatest legacy remains his family. His vocation as a Family man shined: as husband,
father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, brother, cousin, and best friend. He and his wife
Sue were boon companions who traveled to almost every continent together. His dedication as
a father to Erin and Peggy was unmatched, be it his attendance at nearly every athletic event,
piano recital, school event- He was a lifelong guide by their side through the ups and downs of
life, always with an encouraging word, smile and a big heart.. He loved well. His spirit was one
which had a joie de vivre that was infectious.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Finn, his children, Erin Stypulkoski (Gary Stypulkoski) and
Margaret “Peggy” Semling (Gary Semling), his two grandsons, James Tusker and Finn Semling
(Michaela Semling), his two granddaughters, Keilah and Nina Stypulkoski, and his great
grandson Clement Semling.. We will miss him immensely.
A funeral mass for Jim will be held Feb. 27, at St. Raphael’s Mission Church, at 11:00am,
followed by a reception

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